Smyrna Contested Divorce Lawyer

Smyrna Contested Divorce Attorney

Getting a divorce is never easy, but a contested divorce can be particularly stressful. If you’re separating from a spouse and you disagree about one or more issues related to the separation, you need a Smyrna contested divorce lawyer on your side.

The team at Young Law Firm, LLC, has over four decades of experience helping clients through often difficult divorces in Georgia. If you’re facing a contested divorce, we can support you throughout the process, offering legal guidance, staying on top of paperwork, and ensuring that your rights are protected. Call 707-795-9596 or contact us to schedule a consultation with a trusted Smyrna divorce lawyer today.

Hire a Contested Divorce Lawyer With Experience

If you’re facing a contentious divorce, you should hire a contested divorce lawyer with experience. Our founding attorney, Diana Whipkey Young, has been practicing family law for decades. In that time, she has handled complex contested divorce cases and successfully represented clients facing conflict over child custody, child support, spousal support, and other potentially contentious issues related to dissolving marriages. She can help you, too.

What Is a Contested Divorce?

According to the CDC, the rate of divorce in Georgia is 2.2 per 1,000 people. That’s slightly lower than the national rate of 2.4 divorces per 1,000 people, but it still means that thousands of people go through the process each year. Most divorces in Georgia are uncontested, but a significant number of contested divorce cases occur each year in Smyrna and the surrounding area.

A contested divorce involves one or more disputes between the two spouses, most often surrounding child custody and support, spousal support payments, or the division of assets. When this occurs, couples go through a mediation process to try to come to an agreement. If they can’t, the contested divorce will go to court, where a judge will decide on the terms and issue a divorce decree.

The Contested Divorce Process

On average, Georgia couples who get divorced have been married for 18.8 years. In that time, they often invest in houses or other assets, start families, and engage in other activities that could eventually end in conflict. While most couples try to avoid contested divorces due to their increased cost, the reality is that many marriages can’t be dissolved amicably. Here’s what to expect from the contested divorce process:

• Filing the divorce petition. The process starts when one spouse files a divorce petition, which serves as an official request to dissolve a marriage. If you live in Smyrna, you can file your petition with the Clerk of the Superior Court in Cobb County at 70 Haynes Street in Marietta, GA.
• Answer and counter-complaint. Your spouse will be given the opportunity to file an official answer with the court that addresses the allegations listed in your divorce petition.
• Financial disclosures. You and your spouse will disclose information about personal and shared financial assets like bank accounts, investment accounts, mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit card bills. The goal here is for both spouses to gain a clear understanding of the financial situation prior to entering mediation or engaging with the court.
• Temporary hearings and orders. Contested divorces often take years, so issues like child custody and spousal support may need to be dealt with in the interim. This is accomplished through temporary hearings and orders.
• Divorce discovery. Discovery allows spouses to formally request information from each other, including depositions, interrogatories, documents, and subpoenas. In a contested divorce, the court sets a deadline for when each side begins and ends its discovery requests.
• Divorce mediation. Before a contested divorce goes to trial, spouses can attempt to enter into mediation. Mediation attempts may also be required by the court.
• Divorce trial. If you and your spouse are unable to reach a settlement during mediation, the case will go to trial. During the trial, both sides will present evidence, call witnesses, and explain their cases. A judge will then decide how to divide assets, assign child custody, and resolve other issues.

FAQs

How Much Does a Contested Divorce Cost in Georgia?

A contested divorce in Georgia can cost anywhere from $10,000 to over $50,000. The cost of your contested divorce will depend on factors like the complexity of the case, the length of the proceedings, and the attorney fees. If you want to get a clear idea of what to expect in terms of costs, contact our law firm to discuss your case.

What Is the Process of a Contested Divorce in Georgia?

The process of a contested divorce in Georgia typically involves resolving issues through negotiation or mediation. However, some contested divorces must go to trial, where a judge decides on unresolved issues concerning child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Following the trial, the judge will issue a final order granting the divorce.

Is It Worth Contesting a Divorce?

It is worth contesting a divorce if you have a lot at stake. If you and your partner are unable to agree on child custody issues, a contested divorce may be in the interest of your children. If you share valuable assets, you may need to file a contested divorce to ensure that your interests are supported as they are divided.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Georgia?

A contested divorce in Georgia can take from six months to several years, depending on how complex the case is and how many issues the couple disagrees on. If one or both spouses are uncooperative, the process will be drawn out for longer. The potential for appeals can add additional time to an already lengthy process if one party is dissatisfied with the results.

Your Go-to Smyrna Contested Divorce Lawyer

At Young Law Firm, LLC, we strive to ensure every client gets professional, compassionate representation that achieves positive results. We have a deep understanding of contested divorce laws and offer free 30-minute initial consultations, so if you’re looking for a Smyrna contested divorce attorney, don’t hesitate. Call 707-795-9596 or contact us to schedule a free consultation today.